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Credit: Matt West

UNIFYING FORCE: Linebackers coach Pepper Johnson — shown during the playoffs in 2012 — is playing a big part in helping the Patriots deal with a litany of injuries on the defensive side.

Bills coach Doug Marrone shared some nice praise for newly hired defensive line coach Pepper Johnson, who surprisingly left the Patriots last month before securing a job. He locked one down about a week later with the division rivals, and Marrone was happy to land him.

"The tape never lies," Marrone said this morning at the combine. "When we used to play New England and Pepper was the defensive line coach, I thought those guys did a great job up front. Obviously, we know a lot about him as a player. I think he brings a lot to our organization, someone that has obviously been a part of five Super Bowls, has a great intensity about himself, was a great pro. I think he’ll bring a lot to our football team, not only in the classroom but some of the stuff on the field and off the field to help our players grow as this league continues to grow."